Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles Jigsaw Puzzle

Community, artistry, and the enduring legacy of quilting traditions converge in this magnificent 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring Faith Ringgold's beloved masterpiece, "Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles." This premium puzzle celebrates one of the most significant works from Ringgold's groundbreaking French Collection series, where the artist reimagines art history by centering Black women and their creative traditions within iconic artistic settings.

Featured in this puzzle are the following history makers:

• Madam C.J. Walker - entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist
• Sojourner Truth - abolitionist and women's rights activist
• Ida B. Wells - journalist and anti-lynching crusader
• Fannie Lou Hamer - civil rights activist and voting rights advocate
• Harriet Tubman - abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor
• Rosa Parks - civil rights activist
• Mary McLeod Bethune - educator and civil rights leader
• Ella Baker - civil rights activist
• Willia Marie Simone (lower left) - Ringgold's fictional character, the narrator of The French Collection series
• Vincent van Gogh (far right) - standing behind them with sunflowers

Faith Ringgold (born 1930) stands as one of America's most influential contemporary artists, renowned for her story quilts that combine painting, quilted fabric, and narrative text to tell stories of African American life, history, and social justice. A trailblazer who began her career during the Civil Rights Movement, Ringgold challenged the art world's exclusion of Black artists and women, creating a new visual language that elevated quilting, a craft passed down through generations of Black women, to the status of fine art. Her French Collection series, created in the 1990s, playfully inserts Black figures into the world of European modernism, reclaiming space in art history while celebrating community, creativity, and cultural heritage.

In this vibrant puzzle image, Ringgold transforms Van Gogh's sunflower fields of Arles into a gathering place for a quilting bee, a cherished tradition where Black women came together to create, share stories, and build community bonds. Ten diverse women stand around a sunflower-patterned quilt in progress, their colorful garments and warm expressions radiating joy and connection against a dazzling backdrop of golden sunflowers. Ringgold's signature style combines bold colors, pattern-on-pattern design, and the celebration of everyday Black life elevated to monumental importance. The quilt-within-the-painting motif honors both the artistic skill of quilters and the communal wisdom shared during these gatherings, spaces where women preserved cultural traditions, passed down family histories, and created beauty from fabric scraps.

This luxury puzzle is meticulously crafted from thick, recycled paperboard, with a superior 250-GSM matte art paper finish that showcases Ringgold's vibrant palette and intricate details without glare. The ribbon-cut pieces ensure a snug fit with minimal dust, creating a satisfying puzzling experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Measuring an impressive 27" x 20" when completed, this puzzle transforms into a stunning display piece that celebrates artistic innovation and the strength of women's creative communities.

Jigsaw puzzles offer a perfect respite from digital overwhelm while providing numerous mental wellness benefits. Focused concentration naturally reduces stress and anxiety while improving cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Gather with family and friends to create lasting memories through collaborative achievement, honoring the quilting bee tradition that inspired this artwork.

Once completed, your 27x20-inch masterpiece can be framed as striking wall art that sparks conversations about art history and cultural heritage, gifted as a meaningful handmade present, or carefully disassembled for future enjoyment. Many puzzle enthusiasts use puzzle glue for permanent display or trade completed works with fellow collectors.